Hatton undecided over future

Monday 5 January 2009 00:05 BST

Ricky Hatton has admitted he does not know yet whether he will retire in the wake of his crushing defeat against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.

Hatton's reign as light-welterweight world champion came to a bitter end at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as Pacquiao floored his opponent twice in the first round before ending the contest with left hook late in the second.

But Hatton has so far refused to confirm whether the loss will spell the end of his time in the ring and told Sky Sports News when questioned over his future: "I really don't know at the minute, because I never thought that was ever going to happen. But people are still going to see plenty of me."

He added: "I've been a great world champion, I've been the best in the world, and I think I can be the best promoter in the world and I think that is the avenue I want to go down."

Hatton's trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr suggested the Mancunian should retire after the defeat, while rumours have since arisen of a split in the Hatton camp between the American and English assistant trainer Lee Beard.

Hatton's preparations have been called into question, and the 30-year-old admitted there were issues in the build up to the fight.

"There was things that could have been different but I'd rather not talk about it," he said.

"I've lost twice and I've lost to the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, it's not a bad way of looking at it, but I'm devastated.